Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to John H. McCue,
February 8, 1859
Summary:
Jedediah Hotchkiss regrets that he cannot visit John H. McCue, because Hotchkiss
is in the midst of deciding to purchase the Addison Cochran farm, where he plans
to open a women's seminary with his brother. He also asks if McCue has any news
of an unsettled suit in which he is involved.
Feb. 8 th 1859
Stribling Springs, Va.
Dear McCue:
Your favor of the 28 th ult. came duly to hand -- accept my thanks for this last expression of your friendship.
I regret my inability to accept the offer and come to your new home, for I doubt
not the school would be successful, and I should delight to be in your immediate
vicinity: but I am now under obligations to unite with my brother in the
purchase of the Addison Cochran farm at Churchville, with a view of opening a
female Seminary there. We are under obligations to accept if certain
arrangements can be made. If they cannot be made I would entertain a proposition
to go to Lovingston. I suppose the people would be willing to pay 50 or 60
dollars a Sess. for tuition.
[page 2]
I am doing
very well here, this year, but am not perfectly satisfied. This is a delightful
place to live & very agreeable to a one that is somewhat of a recluse.
I am pleased to hear that you are working your way into business. Never Despair is the word.
What about the interrogations that Harman & Bell were to serve on me? I have not heard from them yet. If you come over to Staunton, stir them up -- let us finish up the suit if possible.
If there is any prospect of my coming to L. I will let you know--
My wife joins me in kind regards to you & yours.
Your friend
Jed. Hotchkiss